GOP adds to House gains in Arkansas

Tammy Duckworth, the Democratic nominee for the Illinois' 8th congressional district of the United States House of Representatives greets fellow veteran Octavia Mitchell in Elk Grove Village, Ill., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Duckworth, an Iraq War Veteran, served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot and suffered severe combat wounds, losing both of her legs. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans and Democrats have traded gains in the House, as the GOP captured the last Arkansas House seat still in Democratic hands.

Republicans drove toward reasserting control of the House.

Republican Tom Cotton, a Marine veteran, won an expected victory over Democrat Gene Jeffress in a district representing much of south Arkansas. Democratic Rep. Mike Ross had held the seat for six terms, but opted to retire.

Overall, the GOP has picked up five seats formerly held by Democrats. Democrats have responded by picking up five GOP seats, including that of tea party favorite Joe Walsh, a freshman representative from Illinois where Democrat Tammy Duckworth was victorious. Democrats also ousted two other Republican incumbents in Illinois with the help of redistricting.